Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

 

Mesa Falls

As the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River meanders through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in eastern Idaho it has two significant drop-offs, one at Upper Mesa Falls and the other at Lower Mesa Falls. Of the two, Upper Mesa falls is far more dramatic with closer-up views from several different vantage points, whereas Lower Mesa Falls has only one viewing spot and it’s from quite a distance.

 

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

The falls can both be reached from the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway where pullovers are well worth a stop for spectacular views of the canyon below.

 

Hike Overview
  • • Location: Upper and Lower Mesa Falls in Idaho
    • Start/Finish: Upper Mesa Falls parking lot and Lower Mesa Falls parking lot
    • Course Type: Two separate out-and-backs
    • Course Surface: Packed pavement and boardwalk
    • Distance: ~ 1.25 miles
    • Time: Not recorded
    • Average Pace: Leisurely
    • Elevation Gain: Didn’t record
    • Elevation Range: 5,475 feet – Lower Mesa Falls and 5,600 feet – Upper Mesa Falls (at the two overlooks)
    • Start time: 12:40 PM
    • Weather: 62° and cloudy
    • Date of Hike: July 4, 2025

I didn’t realize the hikes would be much more than just a few steps from the parking lot to each of the waterfalls, especially Upper Mesa Falls, so I didn’t even think to grab my Garmin. We estimated it was at least a mile roundtrip on a combination of paved trails and an elaborate network of steps and boardwalk to Upper Mesa Falls and probably a quarter mile roundtrip to Lower Mesa Falls.

 

Upper Mesa Falls

With a drop-off of approximately 114 feet and a width of 200 to 300 feet, Upper Mesa Falls is the larger of the two falls. Starting at the Mesa Falls Visitor Center, visitors walk on a paved trail to a sturdy network of boardwalk and stairs. These boardwalks take tourists to a variety of waterfalls viewing points.

 

View from the highest point…

 

Mid-level view…

 

View from the lowest platform…

 

Looking downstream below Upper Mesa Falls…

 

While viewing the falls, visitors can learn about the animals who call the area home.

 

Lower Mesa Falls

With a combination of a shorter drop of approximately 65 to 85 feet and a greater distance from the overlook, Lower Mesa Falls is less spectacular than the upper falls. Visitors can stop by to take a look at the falls after a short walk from the parking lot to the Grandview Overlook along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.

 

View from the Grandview Overlook…

 

Final Thoughts on Our Short Hikes to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

Our visit to the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls was an easy stop as we drove along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Both parking lots were right off the byway; however, due the the volume of visitors we were forced to park in an overflow parking lot at the upper falls which increased the walking distance to the falls a bit – no big deal for us and it gave us a chance to stretch our legs during a long day in the car.

If you only have time to visit one, choose Upper Mesa Falls, the more spectacular of the two.

 

Questions
  • • Have you visited Idaho? ~ My husband and I drove through Idaho in 1982 on the start of a road trip from Utah to Idaho to Oregon to California to Nevada and back to Utah. And then I drove from Utah to Pocatello for an overnight business trip in 1983.
  • • Do you take the time to read signs along the trail and at overlooks? ~ usually, but not always
  • • On hikes which do you prefer, a waterfalls view or views for miles? ~ both